cost of adr Germany

hi guys
i wondering the total costs involed going to Germany to see dr b. or dr z. for a single level adr l4/l5.
myseft and wife traveling.
many thanks chuck

[Juli]

There is a lot of information if you look back through the posts about how much everyone paid.
I went to see Dr. Z for a consult and was told it would be almost 30K U.S. for a two level. Of course, they charge in euros so the exchange rate makes a big difference. Most everyone who actually had the surgery said the estimated was cost was either right on or very close to what they were actually billed. I think a one level was quoted at 6 or 7K less. Then of course you have air fare to munich and your stay. I think it cost me about 700 per person round trip from DC about 6 months ago and then my hotel was about 100 a night. Some people who stayed longer after the surgery to do PT at the alfaklinik indicated they were able to get some deals on a month long stay. But that should give you an idea. You should be looking at under 30K but definitely in the 20s.

Check the surgical outcomes for people who had surgery over there or do a search and you should get some more specifics.

Good luck.

[Alastair]

If you look at the AK website they quote you prices there. For a single level ADR L5/S1, I paid (For everything medical) £9,000 = $15683.4 USD

There is your hotel and flight to add on to that. The AK website is in the FAQ`s , they will always quote you upon seeing your X-rays also
Best
Alastair http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

I paid 24,000 uros or $30,000.00 US for Two level done 14 months ago. that included soup to nuts. I got there on one pass miles. Good Luck. Rob from New Jersey

[Alastair]

There is a link here to the Alphaklinik website, and prices

http://www.alphaklinik.com/en/hoogland/service/cost_of_surgery

thanks guys
i see dr balderston on dec 6 for my other options and or a ref to dr b in austia http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gifinsurance was no dice here with blue crap.or i would have had no problems with dr balderston doing the adr http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif
chuck

[toomuchpain]

We are still in Germany. My mom had 2 levels with D'r. Zeegers.

She is doing very well. Her vascular system was complex and I would bet my last Dr. that had we not been with Dr. Zeegers, she would have never received one of the ADRs. And the other ADR she received....the US Drs said it could only be fused.

It is and was money well spent and we are only 12 days post op. I wouldn�t think twice.

[Alastair]

Hi toomuchpain,
I'm here rooting for you and your mom, do you fly home of a weekend? I'm sending warm and positive thoughts for a good trip back to the USA
Best wishes,
Alastair http://adrsupport.org/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[katenulty]

Hello people,

I am waiting to get into the UK ADR place, but I see alistare is busy here too!

I was injured at work in march- originally thought to have torn my trapezium- however 8 weeks later I had altered arm sensation. 1 MRI later I have DDD c4/5 c5/6, but I waass told not to worry- every one has this and I'd be right in 4- 8 wks. Ihad physio for 8 weeks may-july some help, enjoyed some pain free weeks, was walking and swimming, then they told me to try to weight bare again, and here the problems began, pain with this and two days down time to recoup. Then at the beginning of august my leg and arm went, blurred vision, stumbling to affected side, shoulder dropped 2 inches, also my hand king of contracted and I could not type without really forcing my fingers and my arm was very cold- hospital for ?TIA/STROKE (I am 35 and an icu nurse). They decided I needed a LP, which I could not decern the rational for, so said no- but did have a neuro reg look me over- his reply was his neck was probably worse than mine, I was "nervous", so I should go and enjoy my life (never mind my gammy rt side!) a week prior to this I had a CS xray, my disc looks to have prolapsed at c5/6 and my vertebra are touching now (but there is nothing wrong with my neck!) But they did prescribe lyrica - at 400 euros a month no thankyou- I did not apply for medical assisstance as I expected to be back at work already. Have done so now.

Amyway I rested once I escaped hospital and mega hydrated- I find this always helps!? and 4 days later normal shoulder and rt side. Happy days

Then last week I was taking a walk into town, when my rt leg started to drag/ play up, rt leg pain ++, I carried on, then the most almighty electric shock in my left side and blacked out for a second and nearly fell over. I would not return to the hospital where I have been labeled nervous with nothing wrong. (I live in the west of Ireland- only one hospital choice!) They said if it was spinal cord compression I would not have bladder or bowel control- liars, liars.....

Since then I have no balance, and a whole fun fare of altered sensations on my rt arm and leg.Pain has increased but not too horrendous- diclofenac and diazepam for the now very very severe muscle spasms in my shoulders, back.

I used to work in Harley St and knew of a neurosurgeon there ( in ireland I am paying and still have to wait months- also as there is nothing wrong!? my gp has not contacted him for more urgent appointment) So I am off to London on sunday and am seeing MR Plev, second in command to Mr J Suttcliffe- as he is away.

questions people

Does flying make it worse- does cabin pressure maybe put more pressure on your discs

I am freeing what money I can as I think I have cervical myelopathy and will need a one or two level ADR

I can think of nothing else it could be other than CM- any other theories

Is there any point in going the injection root - not a cure, just symptom control, I cannot pay for experiments and then pay for surgery.

has anybody been to MR PLev, and do you think less than 20,000 pounds will cover it in harley st, I cannot be going all over to visit and assess now I have no balance, cannot drive or go out unaided.



Anyway the sites are great and its nice to have found support for my nervousness!!!!!

kate :wiggle: very acurate description- except I just go rt! :jacks: this is the aim!

[ron_meeder]

What about Gelenk Klinik in Germany?

They look dirt cheap, 12.500 euro for single ADR M6, including pre, during and postoperative hospitalisation costs.

Anybody know their reputation??

[Harrison]

Ron, I've never heard of them. But it's interesting that they list all their prices!

Orthopaedic Specialists Germany Spine Surgery | Joint-surgeon.com (http://www.joint-surgeon.com/orthopedic-services/back-and-spine-specialist)

[tcmechtech]

I have heard of them also, I have there web site in my favorites,
but never heard of anyone going there, I checked with a site in India , I think it was called We Care India or something and I was quoted $11,600 Canadian for the surgery ( similar package as in Spain) The doctor that peforms the surgery studied in Canada , Singapore , India and elswhere?
Again I never heard of anyone going there?
I noticed the ADR surgery costs are going up in price pretty fast in the beter known places ... just a thought.

[dhanks0001]

I am having surgery for a three level in Barcelona with Dr Clavel next Wednesday. Total cost for everything and hotel with breakfast is 42500 plus airfare for two people. Total is right at $44500 for everything.

[Stonewall_Boris]

I had my three level ADR in Germany. The cost was about 45,000. In my estimate, 1 level ADR base price 30,000, Sugery time one hour. Add 5,000 and one hour of Sugery for any additionally discs. Expect the 5,000 for travel, hotels, meals, etc.

[Stonewall_Boris]

Also, in my estimation, for a man in his 50's, 1 - 2 months of recovery time per disc. There's something called distraction pain I was told about it but never knew it could be that bad.

[dhanks0001]

I paid $42500 for a 3 ADR in Barcelona but got a quote of about $52000 from Germany. Dr Cavel was great and I am recovering quickly after only 7 days , I have walked about 17 miles about 5-6 miles every day after day 3 of surgery. Still have numb arm but pain getting better in arm. I think a two level in Barcelona was about $33000. Of course that is dollars they charge euros, but the Euro is very low right now. They aso allowed me to use my credit card and I got the daily rate which is cheaper than the wire rate saving me nearly $3000 even after fees. They made a mistake on my daily rate so I called them and they waved over $1100 in additional credit card fees. Unfortunately I am military and Tricare will not cover any costs of the ADR but I will file and also appeal if I can anyway.

[LauraB]

I recently received my estimate from Dr. Bertognoli, Germany. I will give you
the Euro price as it has fluctuated from a few months ago. Of course, where you exchange and wire can make all the difference in the world. I would love it if my credit card would work (don't think they will increase my credit access that much).

CERVICAL ADR
Dr. Bertognoli
2 Level 28,008 EU about $36,100 3 Level 36,508 EU about $48,000

Dr. Bierstedt:
2 Level 28,000 EU

Airfare & hotel charges are of course extra.

[Cheryl0331]

I can only get about $30K together, so I don't know what I will do if it's two levels for me!

[NJ Gene]

Cheryl,

It might be difficult to do this, but you might want to consider asking friends and family for a little help. You would be amazed at how much you could raise pretty quickly. I got $3,000.00 with very little effort. In my case, I had to return it, since I didn't go overseas for surgery and insurance covered what I had done here. A couple thoughts are to write a note on Social Media asking all of your "friends" there for help. You might be pleasantly surprised how many people offer to help out knowing you need $$ for surgery that won't be covered by insurance. You can also check out this website: Medical Fundraising: Raise Money for Medical Expenses & Medical Bills (http://www.gofundme.com/Medical-Illness-Healing/) If you don't already have a PayPal account, that would help as it makes it easier for people to pay you.

Good luck!!

Gene

[Cheryl0331]

Cheryl,

It might be difficult to do this, but you might want to consider asking friends and family for a little help. You would be amazed at how much you could raise pretty quickly. I got $3,000.00 with very little effort. In my case, I had to return it, since I didn't go overseas for surgery and insurance covered what I had done here. A couple thoughts are to write a note on Social Media asking all of your "friends" there for help. You might be pleasantly surprised how many people offer to help out knowing you need $$ for surgery that won't be covered by insurance. You can also check out this website: Medical Fundraising: Raise Money for Medical Expenses & Medical Bills (http://www.gofundme.com/Medical-Illness-Healing/) If you don't already have a PayPal account, that would help as it makes it easier for people to pay you.

Good luck!!

Gene Who knows may be it will help me. I don't have anything to loose. MY father is disabled and my mother works at Wal-Mart so they can't help. Two of my siblings do not make enough money and the other has a family to take care of. I need God's help and any I can get! I can't do this alone...Thanks again, Cheryl I am trying to spare my husband somewhat, but it's passed that point now. MY primary care doctor is leaving his practice. Now I am waiting for my GYN to give me a referral. All so I can't get an MRI ordered! I tell you it's one thing after the next...:eek2:

[Cheryl0331]

I recently received my estimate from Dr. Bertognoli, Germany. I will give you
the Euro price as it has fluctuated from a few months ago. Of course, where you exchange and wire can make all the difference in the world. I would love it if my credit card would work (don't think they will increase my credit access that much).

CERVICAL ADR
Dr. Bertognoli
2 Level 28,008 EU about $36,100 3 Level 36,508 EU about $48,000

Dr. Bierstedt:
2 Level 28,000 EU

Airfare & hotel charges are of course extra.
Gosh, I was told 23,000 not long ago for 2 level. Now I am really stressing.:(

[LauraB]

Cheryl, I know it is very hard to come up with the money. If you can wait it out a little bit, I know December is suppose to be an inexpensive time to travel to Germany. Check out deals. If you can save a few dollars here and there, it can make all the difference in the world. Also, I know Dr. Bierstedt is very accommodating too. Their office has given me so many ideas about how to save money. PM me if you get a chance. I had to be very creative in the way I was able to get the funds too.
Laura-

[Romakis]

May I ask who your doctor was?

[LauraB]

My surgeon of choice was Dr. Bierstedt. After contacting several surgeons and submitting my information, he was the one that "personally" reviewed my diagnostic reports, gave his opinion of my situation and his recommendations for surgical intervention. He answered my questions via personal phone call rather than resorting to email or an associate from his office. All medical responses were addressed by him. Other travel and business questions were handled through his office - the way it should be. After conversing with him, I did not have that "second thought" feeling. I knew this was the direction I needed to follow.
17 months post surgergy - I'm doing very well. I haven't had the need to revisit a local surgeon here for any type of follow up or concern. I do have a medical condition that could easily antagonize further problems with connective tissue, but it hasn't found a way to readdress the problem.

Laura

[Jerry5]

Thank You Laura, I too went to Ilerhaus and Bierstedt.

Six Months, and doing pretty well.

Some Issues, but I can walk, will have some aqua therapy starting soon.

I walk, stretch, use a very well cushioned chair, (one I made) and may soon use a pool.

After a few to five months, the progress is slower, but there are times it is noticed.

PM if you would like more detail, and I have some idea of the cost.

All the best,

[dhanks0001]

May I ask who your doctor was?

My doctor was Dr Clavel in Spain. i did a Three level l C-3 to C-6.
The cost was 36000 euro about 47000 dollars at the time. That was when the $ was 1.35 to the euro. It is 1.13 now. I was one of the unlucky five percent that came down with what doc called C5 palsy left arm, deltoid rotator cuff all out of commission. If has been almost 2 years and I can now lift my left arm above my head with stiffness and pain. Forearm, triceps, biceps deltoid mostly back but muscles around the deltoid muscle still weak and Painful. Probably at 60 -70 percent on left side now. Have slight pain in right shoulder still but it is completely usable. Doc told me if would be better in one year, then he said two years. It is slowly getting better but still painful. I recommended Dr Clavel to my doctors son for a three level and he is doing great after six months. He is a very nice doctor and most of his patients come out with no problems. Everything was included transportation,hotel,hospital and surgery. Only paid extra for food.
Yes I would still recommend him!

[marzman54]

Romakis, my surgeon is Dr. Bierstedt and like Laura I found that after a few phone conversations with him that I felt he was my best bet . The communication with ken, Malte and dr Bierstedt was first rate ( can't say that for most others I contacted in my experience)and everything including hotels, meals, transportation, etc. are all included in my package and taken care of by his staff. Only thing I had to do was book flights.
I fly out tomorrow to Germany with further testing and eval on Monday and surgery on Tuesday.
Good luck with your decision.
Marzman54.

[Romakis]

Romakis, my surgeon is Dr. Bierstedt and like Laura I found that after a few phone conversations with him that I felt he was my best bet . The communication with ken, Malte and dr Bierstedt was first rate ( can't say that for most others I contacted in my experience)and everything including hotels, meals, transportation, etc. are all included in my package and taken care of by his staff. Only thing I had to do was book flights.
I fly out tomorrow to Germany with further testing and eval on Monday and surgery on Tuesday.
Good luck with your decision.
Marzman54.
I like Dr. B a lot too. What is your surgery if you don't mind me asking?

[marzman54]

My surgery is c4-5 / c6-7 adr and hopefully remove fusion plate at c5-6 that is causing scar tissue in esophagus and swallowing problems since last fusion surgery. also l5-s1 Adr or fusion ? / l4-5 and l2-3 ?. I will be at Bierstedts office tomorrow morning for more testing and Eval on lumbar issue,s as we need more results here to determine what route he wants to take. In my situation he and I felt that we needed to do further eval once getting over here in Germany.
You wouldn't buy a new car without test driving it first would ya.!!!!
Marzman

[drewrad]

Awesome! Here's to getting fixed.:beer:

[Cheryl0331]

Cheryl,

It might be difficult to do this, but you might want to consider asking friends and family for a little help. You would be amazed at how much you could raise pretty quickly. I got $3,000.00 with very little effort. In my case, I had to return it, since I didn't go overseas for surgery and insurance covered what I had done here. A couple thoughts are to write a note on Social Media asking all of your "friends" there for help. You might be pleasantly surprised how many people offer to help out knowing you need $$ for surgery that won't be covered by insurance. You can also check out this website: Medical Fundraising: Raise Money for Medical Expenses & Medical Bills (http://www.gofundme.com/Medical-Illness-Healing/) If you don't already have a PayPal account, that would help as it makes it easier for people to pay you.

Good luck!!

Gene
If it were that easy; I would have asked them. I tried GoFundme and never got a hit. I put it on my Twitter page too. I finally just deleted the acct.

[Cheryl0331]

Ron, I've never heard of them. But it's interesting that they list all their prices!

Orthopaedic Specialists Germany Spine Surgery | Joint-surgeon.com (http://www.joint-surgeon.com/orthopedic-services/back-and-spine-specialist)
I received an email that they can take a credit card.